After more than four decades at KLFY-TV10, Maria Placer is moving over to the information and referral center 232-HELP/211, assuming the role of executive director. The position was most recently held by Sharon Bourgeois, who served from January-June 13. Bourgeois had replaced 232-HELP founder Jewell Lowe, who died last September.
Placer has been on 232-HELP's board since 2004 and was a close friend of Lowe's. Lowe founded the center in 1965.
Station GM Mike Barras says Placer will return to the station for special projects, including the Wednesday's Child program, which she launched in 1982. Placer's last day at the station is Tuesday, July 31.
Since joining KLFY in 1966, Placer has worked in just about every possible capacity, becoming the first woman to anchor news in southwest Louisiana and the first female television news director on the Gulf Coast. She most recently served as station manager/chief community relations officer.